Pictures for non O retirement dependent extension - Phuket

[federicoP]

I have been told that in Phuket, for the annual extension based on non-O- retirement dependent for the foreign partner, in addition to the well-known picture of the happy couple at the entrance of the house, now 3 more photographs of the couple inside the house are required.

Has anyone had recent experience, in Phuket, on this topic?

[LivingNThailand]

Good question.   We are going in a couple of weeks to Phuket immigration......  Happy Couple.... Does that mean we have to smile in the photos?  😂

I thought these extra photos were for Married to Thai extension.   I also have friends here on work visas and they had to do that.  

All input helpful.   thanks for asking.

[federicoP]

Since I renewed the extension at Phuket Immigration today, I answer to myself:

For the renewal of the extension for the dependent partner, in the case of foreign couples, photographs inside the house are not necessary but only the usual photo of the couple outside, with visible house number.

[LivingNThailand]

59 minutes ago, federicoP said:

Since I renewed the extension at Phuket Immigration today, I answer to myself:

I was there this morning.  It was a zoo.  I thought the new system was supposed to be New and "Improved".   Where was the improvement?  More paperwork, more forms, a trip to the bank and a trip to the copy center.   In years past no problem, slipped right through.  I hope your experience was better than mine.    Sorry for ranting, but the system should be easier after 10 years of doing this, not harder.   🤯

[federicoP]

I have not had such a bad experience as yours.
I had booked the appointment at 8.30 via the web and (to my surprise......) they immediately let me go through the first check, where young, very kind and efficient guys work.
Traditional trip to the photocopies for a copy of the marriage certificate and a Google map printout with the coordinates (on the copy I had presented I had written the coordinates by hand, this is not good.....)
Then the second check, and finally passing in front of the officer, not so friendly but not rude either, very precise and correct.
I took advantage of the opportunity to entrust them with the reentry paperwork (+700 baht for a multiple, for the service) and after less than an hour I was out.

The only thing I don't like about the new system is having to wait packed in that small crowded room with air conditioning. Waiting outside under the shelter, on the benches, was certainly more pleasant.
But everyone has their own personal experience, maybe next year for me it will be worse :-)-

[LivingNThailand]

7 minutes ago, federicoP said:

I had booked the appointment at 8.30 via the web and (to my surprise......) they immediately let me go through the first check, where young, very kind and efficient guys work.

How did you book an appointment on the web?  In Phuket?   I've never seen or heard about that.   Please let me know for next year.

 

I got there super early and was the second person there.  When the guy came out to hand out the numbers everyone was civilized until #5 and then the mob rushed him.  And then everyone rushed into the small aircon room.  I agree.  I much prefer sitting outside instead of that crammed in room.  One lady was so sick and coughing.  Yikes.

 

Anyway, someone asked me to post more details of my experience so I will soon.   BTW, my Google map was horizontal (landscape) and it was denied.  Must be vertical (portrait).  I guess the IO cannot turn the page sideways and read it.  ???

 

[federicoP]

This is the Immigration site :
http://www.phuketimmigration.go.th/index.php

 

And this is the page to book the appointment:
https://outlook.office365.com/book/[email protected]/

 

The day before the appointment Immigration even sent me a reminder email....

 

When the guy came out to give the numbers before opening,  he did not give me any number and said : just present you at your booked time !

 

 

[LivingNThailand]

48 minutes ago, federicoP said:

When the guy came out to give the numbers before opening,  he did not give me any number and said : just present you at your booked time !

Thank you.  I just looked it up.  Wondering why everyone doesn't do this.  Should be mandatory, I would think.   I was seriously thinking about using an agent next year as the experience keeps getting worse and worse.  I've filed this away for consideration for next year.  

[federicoP]

Don't get discouraged, do you remember the officer sitting in the old room at the corner desk?
He once kicked me out throwing away my passport because I made a mistake on a form, without telling me what my mistake was.
And the other guy in uniform who was hanging around the people in line "being funny" ?
Now these things don't happen anymore, at least I hope...

Next year try with the reservation, hoping that this system, which strangely almost no one uses, remains in force

[LivingNThailand]

10 hours ago, federicoP said:

do you remember the officer sitting in the old room at the corner desk?
He once kicked me out throwing away my passport because I made a mistake on a form, without telling me what my mistake was.
And the other guy in uniform who was hanging around the people in line "being funny" ?

Yes, the first guy once made me redo my bank info and return the next week because he didn't understand the combo method I applied for.  (I only do money in the bank now)

 

   The funny guy was a complete psycho.  Several times he "lost" some of my documents / photos  and wanted me to go to the copy room.   I always have extra copies of everything so he didn't make me jump through the hoops he was trying for.  Was very glad he got reassigned.

 

11 hours ago, federicoP said:

Now these things don't happen anymore, at least I hope...

Next year try with the reservation, hoping that this system, which strangely almost no one uses, remains in force

Yes, that part is better.  No funny guys.   I hope the reservation system stays in effect for next year.  Thank you for all your help with that.